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Baal

By: Robert R. McCammon
Narrated by: Ray Porter
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Publisher's Summary

AudioFile Best Voices - Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Audio Theater, 2014

Baal was Robert McCammon's first novel, a debut that would lead to some of the finest popular fiction of our time. Written at the age of 25 and published as a paperback original in 1978, it has been out of print for years. This deluxe new audio edition from Subterranean Press will give McCammon's many fans both newcomers and longtime fans - the opportunity to trace the development of an extraordinarily talented man.

The story begins with a horrific rape on the streets of New York City. Nine months after that violation, a most unusual child is born. His name is Jeffrey Harper Raines, but he quickly assumes his true name - and true purpose - as Baal, a new incarnation of the ancient prince of demons. The narrative recounts his lethal progress through the 20th century, which begins with the destruction of his earthly "family". From there, Jeffrey/Baal moves to a doomed Catholic orphanage, where he unleashes carnage on an unprecedented scale, then out into the wider world, where he embraces his destiny as the Prophet of the Damned, generating a legacy of chaos, violence, and despair.

Baal is very much a young man's story, raw and brimming with emotion. Listen closely and you'll hear the voice of a gifted storyteller struggling to be born. In 1980, the career that would encompass Swan Song, Boy's Life, and The Five still lay waiting several years down the road. This is where it began.

©1978 Robert McCammon (P)2013 Audible Inc.

Critic Reviews

"This chilling horror story…is truly terrifying… Ray Porter deserves kudos for his portrayals of the two main characters… Porter's true accomplishment is giving voice to the demonic Baal, whose voice is something between speech and a growl. This is not a book to listen to in the dark." ( AudioFile)

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Excellent horror story from the master!

This was a brilliant R-rated supernatural horror story. You can tell McCammon really tried to make an impact with his first big novel and he definitely did. It's really well-written and takes you through Baal's life from an infant through to adulthood and his nefarious affects on those around him. There were some seriously dark moments in the book so true horror fans are in for a treat. Brilliant narration from Ray Porter also. 5/5.

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